Freshly Made Sketches #389

It's Wednesday and time for a new sketch at Freshly Made Sketches! Narelle is our hostess this week and has a lovely sketch. Be sure to visit the FMS blog to see her card, as well as the rest of the team's!  

It’s so important to let people know you are thinking of them. Someone may just need the boost your happy mail gives to make it through the day! This card is going out in the mail today – just to say hello to a faraway friend.

I made a fun shaker card using the Freshly Made Sketches #389 for my layout, combining Trinity Stamps' Caribbean Ocean Confetti Mix and Generous Heart Confetti.  I stamped my sentiment from the newly released Happy Senti-Mini set, cut a banner, and added some die cut leaves (Reverse Confetti). The front of the card was embossed with an embossing folder (SU!) for texture. The Senti-Mini sets have so many options for creating greetings to fit any occasion! Including just sending happy mail!

Our challenge is open until 3 PM EDT on Monday! Click on the links on the FMS blog by each photo to see what my teammates have created!

Challenges:

• Paper Minutes - #589 - Friendship  
• Crafty Sentiment Designs  -  Anything Goes
• The Paper Players - PP442 Plants

Home Sweet Home

This adorable little scene is from a bonus special edition stamp set called COZY CABIN, and part of the newest Whimsy Stamps' Paper Door Kit - available now HERE. The kit is called ADORABLE OTTERS. I love this little scene - perfect for many occasions. I stamped with Altenew Jet Black ink, and then colored with Copic markers.

In the May kit:
BRAND NEW kit debuting on the 10th of each month
Each kit is a $50+ retail value for only $29.95 plus shipping
EXCLUSIVE 6x6 Whimsy Stamps designer paper pack collections, fun and creative designs on heavy weight paper with a beautiful sheen - 24 double sided sheets
TEN sheets of 8.5x5.5 heavy weight neutral card stock - in black and white
SPECIAL EDITION 4x6 clear stamp set "Adorable Otters" created exclusively for PAPER DOOR
COMPLEMENTING "Adorable Otters" outline die set to easily cut out the images from the 4 x 6 stamp set, designed exclusively for PAPER DOOR
SPECIAL EDITION "Build-a-Pond" Die Set and "Cozy Cabin" 4x3 clear stamp set introduced especially for PAPER DOOR PRIVATE access to PDF files with step-by-step instructions for at least 4 different projects

How cool is that?!?!

It's Time for the May Release at Picket Fence Studios! PLUS A Giveaway!

It's the 14th of the month, and that means NEW GOODIES at Picket Fence Studios!! There are some fantabulous stamps, dies, and stencils brand new! But before you steal away to check out EVERYthing, take a peek at what I am sharing today:

My first card uses a new single stamp, Together Is Always Better, and a new stencil, All About the Triangles. I used my Life Changing Brushes and Twisted Citron Distress Ink for the stencil, and then stamped the sentiment on top with VersaFine Clair Nocturne Ink. The card base is a contrasting spring color, which makes the stencil pop! A trio of sequins adds just enough bling.

Next up is a new set called Something Sweet - a must have for pineapple fans. In my background, I used another new stencil this month called Pineapple Collage Stencil. I inked it with VersaColor Umber ink, using my Life Changing Brushes. The pineapple and sentiment were stamped with Altenew Jet Black ink, and the pineapple was then colored with alcohol markers. I popped it up with foam tape.

 

Be sure to check out the entire release because......
there is a $100 Gift Certificate up for grabs during the release -- a winner from each of the Design Team's blogs! And to celebrate the one year anniversary, use code PFS20 to get 20% off your entire order NOW. All you have to do is leave a comment on my blog. Check out my Instagram @joy_in_a_jar and leave one there too, and you double your chance of winning! Please leave your comment here by Saturday, May 18, and I will post the winner on the 20th! Good luck and happy shopping!

Friends Need Each Otter!

Aren't these faces the cutest? The otters are from the newest Whimsy Stamps' Paper Door Kit - available now HERE. It's called ADORABLE OTTERS -- and they are! 

In the kit:
BRAND NEW kit debuting on the 10th of each month
Each kit is a $50+ retail value for only $29.95 plus shipping
EXCLUSIVE 6x6 Whimsy Stamps designer paper pack collections, fun and creative designs on heavy weight paper with a beautiful sheen - 24 double sided sheets
TEN sheets of 8.5x5.5 heavy weight neutral card stock - in black and white
SPECIAL EDITION 4x6 clear stamp set "Adorable Otters" created exclusively for PAPER DOOR
COMPLEMENTING "Adorable Otters" outline die set to easily cut out the images from the 4 x 6 stamp set, designed exclusively for PAPER DOOR
SPECIAL EDITION "Build-a-Pond" Die Set and "Cozy Cabin" 4x3 clear stamp set introduced especially for PAPER DOORPRIVATE access to PDF files with step-by-step instructions for at least 4 different projects

How cool is that?!?!

The May Whimsy Stamps Paper Door Kit is Here!

The May Paper Door Kit from Whimsy Stamps is here! This month's kit is called ADORABLE OTTERS - and has SO many fun things to combine and mix! Here is my card for the release today, with more otter fun to come soon!

The papers that come in the kit are just so fun - they are double-sided with prints on one and a solid background on the flip side. Perfect matches!

Here are the kit details:
BRAND NEW kit debuting on the 10th of each month
Each kit is a $50+ retail value for only $29.95 plus shipping
EXCLUSIVE 6x6 Whimsy Stamps designer paper pack collections, fun and creative designs on heavy weight paper with a beautiful sheen - 24 double sided sheets
TEN sheets of 8.5x5.5 heavy weight neutral card stock - in black and white
SPECIAL EDITION 4x6 clear stamp set "Adorable Otters" created exclusively for PAPER DOOR
COMPLEMENTING "Adorable Otters" outline die set to easily cut out the images from the 4 x 6 stamp set, designed exclusively for PAPER DOOR
SPECIAL EDITION "Build-a-Pond" Die Set and "Cozy Cabin" 4x3 clear stamp set introduced especially for PAPER DOORPRIVATE access to PDF files with step-by-step instructions for at least 4 different projects

Each kit is a LIMITED EDITION and individual items may or may not be released at a later date. Supplies are limited so order yours today, and unlock your creativity with Whimsy Stamps PAPER DOOR kits!

Thanks for stopping by!

Freshly Made Sketches #387

It's Wednesday and time for a new sketch at Freshly Made Sketches! Cécile is our hostess this week and has a lovely sketch. Be sure to visit the FMS blog to see her card, as well as the rest of the team's!  

Have seen the new Trinity Stamps release for Spring? Our Spring for the last week in Nebraska has been a lot of rain and wind. But I am looking forward to next week's sunshine. This sentiment from Rainy Days Together is a perfect combination for our Central Plains weather!

I started by stamping my three adorable little ducklings and the umbrella with Altenew Jet Black ink, and then colored them with Copic markers. I added a little puddle under each one. The second step was to score two lines on either side of them for a faux frame, as I wanted to make a one layer scene, easily mailed.  

Both the umbrella and the puddles under each duck were then colored with a Nuvo Glitter pen. The umbrella shows the sparkle quite nicely, and the puddles have just as much shine IRL! I added some clouds stacked in one corner, and a few Boiled Sugar (brand new embellishments!) Clear Jelly Drops to simulate raindrops.

I think it turned out pretty cute, don't you? The sunny yellow card base is the sunshine to come! 

Here is this week's sketch! As you can see, I turned it upside down, and the clouds became my leaves! What will you create?

Our challenge is open until 3 PM EDT on Monday! Click on the links on the FMS blog by each photo to see what my teammates have created!

Spring Fling Blog Hop with Trinity Stamps!

 >>> Click HERE for my Spring/Summer Coffee Lovers Blog Hop card! <<<

Hello everyone! Welcome to Trinity Stamps' Spring Fling Hop! You are going to be wowed today with the team's creations and all of the fun new products! Super cute images, lots of new sentiments, and oodles of amazing embellishments!

 

** GIVEAWAY: One reader will be randomly selected to receive a $25 Trinity Gift Card and an embellishment goodie bag! ** Be sure to visit all the blogs on the hop to be entered! BEST embellishments around!

Trinity Blog

Amy

Brenda

Carly

Carrie

Christine

Courtney

Donna

Emelie

Emily

Erica

Jeannie

JoAnn

Judy

Katie

Shanna

My first card today is a sweet one-layer, mailable CAS using the new Puddle Jumpers set. This is such a cute set, and I know you are going to love it. I chose my sentiment first, and then decided to use just the frogs for this card.

My design started by using Tumbled Glass Distress ink, ThermOWeb's Purple Tape (a must have!), and my blending brushes. The masked middle area is actually the width of the tape!

The frogs were stamped using Altenew's Jet Black ink, and colored with Copic markers. Finally, I added my sentiment with VersaFine Onyx Black ink (crisp ink for sentiments!), and three Wicked Sequin Like Confetti embellishments for bling.

My second card is totally different, and for the mixed media lovers out there.  

My background began on watercolor paper with Brusho crystals. Once that was dry, I stamped my sentiment from the new Thank You Senti-Mini set in VersaFine Clair Nocturne ink. 

My shaker embellishments are Brave Heart (purple iridescent heart confetti), Humble Heart (blue), and New Shoes (glossy white confetti), plus some glitter in my stash. To highlight the sentiment, I added the glitter before the ink was dry, so it would stick in some places. I added a wood heart at the bottom of the card to offset and compliment the sentiment.

Well, there you have it! Next up is the sweet and talented Katie Brooks! I know you will love what she has to show you!

It's Time to Coffee Hop!

 

It's here! It's the start of the 2019 Spring/Summer Coffee Lover's Blog Hop! The hop runs May 3-10, with tons of caffeine for your pleasure, and oodles of Super Sponsors! And don't you love the graphic? Congratulations to Shanna Slater! 

Today I am sharing a sweet and simple, on the verge of shabby chic CAS card :)

I used to sew all the time on my cards, and I have missed the look. So today I am bringing back traditional pearls, ribbon and stitching! And some spring flowers, of course! My images are from a retired company - Fresh Squeezed Stamps.

Enjoy the rest of your day!
 

Freshly Made Sketches #386

It's Wednesday and time for a new sketch at Freshly Made Sketches! Jen B. is our hostess this week. Be sure to visit the FMS blog to see her card, as well as the rest of the team's! 

I am using one of the new releases from Picket Fence Studios today: Hello Beautiful. It has a coordinating die too! He's a cute little guy trying to take a good selfie! I chose tropical florals and matching stripes for my background.

My flamingo is stamped on Hammermill 100# white cardstock and colored with Copic markers. I flipped the sketch, and stamped my sentiment (VersaFine Clair Nocturne) on the right side.

  

Our challenge is open until 3 PM EDT on Monday! Click on the links on the FMS blog by each photo to see what my teammates have created!

Come Join the May Rainbow Card Challenge!

Happy May, Cardmakers! Have you seen the new challenge at the Rainbow Card Challenge? This month is Gorgeous Greens!

I am using a favorite stamp from Picket Fence Studios' Neighborhood Stamp Set. I love this cityscape and all of the different things you can do with it!

I made a smooshed watercolor background using Peeled Paint Distress Ink, and then stamped on top with VersaFine Clair Nocturne. I added a sentiment from Ways to Say Get Well using a leftover scrap. 

Be sure to join us and play along. It's so fun to see what everyone makes, and what wonderful ideas you all have!

Bubble Tea Blog Hop!

It's always fun when you learn something new while crafting. Like the fact that today is National Bubble Tea Day! And the tribe at Trinity Stamps is celebrating with a Collaboration Blog Hop with some of our favorite gals from Coffee Loving Cardmakers and a $25 gift card to be given away! Did you come from Emily's blog? You're right in line. Otherwise, start HERE. Read on!

If you haven't yet purchased the Coffee With Character, matching dies, and Caffeinated Sentiments sets from Trinity Stamps, you really must. On the hop today, you will see oodles of amazing things you can do with these sets. So many possibilities! PLUS, there will be a few little sneak peaks of some new product! 

I chose a traditional route today with my card, and paired my images with some cute paper from Doodlebug Designs. I stamped my images on Hammermill 100 lb. cardstock using Altenew's Jet Black ink. Copic markers were used to color the cup. The straw die was cut from some glitter cardstock by The Paper Studio. Isn't it cute?

I stamped part of my sentiment on the Doodlebug patterned paper and cut it out in random shapes for fun. The cup is popped up with foam tape. I wrapped some white mini ric rac around one of the panels, and added a felt heart, which matched perfectly! 

Oh - we can't forget about the Tapioca pearls! Those were made with the end of my stylus dipped in a coordinating dye ink color.

Now how about a FREEBIE? Check out this adorable limited edition digital stamp! Yay! 

Trinity Stamps will offer it to everyone for download through the month of May. But you have to head over to the Trinity blog to do it. So don't forget that. First though, take a look at the hop lineup for today, and join in! 

One reader will be randomly selected to receive a $25 Trinity Gift Card. Leave your comments on all of the participating blogs by Wednesday, May 8th at 11:59 pm Pacific, then look for the winner announcement on the Coffeelovers blog the following week (link below). Thanks for stopping by, and have fun! NEXT UP: EMELIE.

Trinity Stamps- https://blog.trinitystamps.com/?p=2890

Jeannie Lieu- https://urlzs.com/mVJN

Shanna Slater- https://urlzs.com/7Y71

Erica Andersson-Burke- https://urlzs.com/uKha

Donna Lewis- https://urlzs.com/beKf

Christine Burillo-Kirch- https://urlzs.com/Dnjv

Courtney Kreeber- https://urlzs.com/ot6a

Emily Mydlowski- https://urlzs.com/1nta

Judy Rozema- https://urlzs.com/eN9H

Emelie Hessler- https://urlzs.com/s8RV

Amy Brown- https://britedesignsbyamy.wordpress.com/ 

Katie Brooks- https://urlzs.com/WrK9

Coffee Loving Cardmaker’s blog http://coffeelovingcardmakers.com/10334

Kerry Urbatch http://bit.ly/2IAdzVw

Erin Thiem  http://bit.ly/2GkYljC

Lisa Bzibziak  http://bit.ly/2ZnRO0l

Kathy Schweinfurth http://bit.ly/2XCUaXv

Helen Gullett  https://helengullett.com/?p=17215

Dana Warren  http://bit.ly/2XGNgAE

Amy Tsuruta http://bit.ly/2ZtaY5g

Freshly Made Sketches #385

It's Wednesday and time for a new sketch at Freshly Made Sketches! Kim is our hostess this week. Be sure to visit the FMS blog to see her card, as well as the rest of the team's! 

I am using one of the new releases from Picket Fence Studios today: Pretty Birds. You save 20% when you purchase the bundle!

My background side panel was made using acrylic paints, stencils, and my Gel Press. I watercolored the bird with Kuretake paints to match, and then cut it out with the matching die. I cut an additional die out in black to back the bird and separate the colors. The birds have so many color possibilities!

  

Our challenge is open until 3 PM EDT on Monday! Click on the links on the FMS blog by each photo to see what my teammates have created!

"Clean Up" Background

Hello friends! I know many of you have tried monoprinting using a Gel Press, or similar tool. It's tons of fun to make beautiful prints. But -- inbetween those prints, what do you do with your brayer?

Don't clean it with water just yet! Run in on a piece of cardstock set to the side (I use Georgia Pacific White for these). Every time you add new color and need to clean, just roll it on cardstock right over the top of the previous color. And then save those pieces for just the right occasion. It may take awhile, but you'll know when you see it!

I'm using a new release today called BFF GIRL KATE with a sentiment from YOU GOT THIS. The background is one of my "brayer cleaning papers" from monoprints with acrylic paints. The gold squares are negative die pieces from a card I made recently with glitter cardstock. Just kind of a crazy idea to stick them on there, but they were on my desk, and I thought, Why not? So I painted her shoes and bag buckle with Gold Nuvo Glitter Pen to match! 

A little mixed media love! She looks pretty hip, don't you think?

Don't miss out on the 20% savings when you buy the BUNDLE - stamp and die together!

Challenges:

• Crafty Sentiment Designs -  Anything Goes
• Lemon Shortbread - #92 - Always Anything Goes (Week 1)
• A Inky Mess - #29 - Anything Mixed Media Goes